As a Christian, think of living life like a two act play. Accordingly, your present life is act one, death is the intermission, and beyond your death is act two. (John 11:25) Just as an actor relaxes to control his will and concentrates on his character, you rest in God, obey his Word, and transform into the character and nature of Jesus. Additionally, learning to respond like Jesus creates clarity of purpose and instructs you how to effectively use your God given gifts. You enjoy blessings in act one and rewards in act two for your work. And God’s Word explains these blessings and rewards.

The anticipation created by living life like a two-act play

Knowing what the Bible tells you, and living life like a two-act play, you anticipate act two as a time when everything is beautiful. You expect recovery, justice, and reconciliation. You are excited for constant love, rather than at times misunderstanding, accusation, and abuse. Your life is overflowing with kindness, compassion, and triumph. As a Christian, heaven is a hope and the guarantee of a better life.  It is the life God intends for you to live, without pain, suffering, or sorrow. In addition, you are in God’s presence and a glorious garden, enjoying complete wholeness with your family in Christ, and wanting nothing.

Let Act Two Inform Your Life and Work in Act One

Act two informs you how to live in your first act. Forgiven in Christ, you know you will not face judgement. (John 5:24) But there is a test of the quality of your work during act one that determines the rewards you will receive. (2 Corinthians 5:10) You expect a consuming fire to reveal rewards for the gold, silver, and costly stones that your work in act one produces for God’s glory. (1Corinthians 3:10-14) Following God’s plan to rest and learn, and yielding your life in obedience like Jesus, is the way to gain your desired reward. (Revelation 22:12)

Plan for living life like a two-act play

If you accept the notion of living life like a two-act play, you will want to participate in the same kind of planning, preparation, rehearsals, and production required of an actor in a two-act play. Actors know they must fully engage in act one, knowing what is coming in act two. With this in mind, recognize your work in act one tested by fire reveals your rewards, and clarifies how you present yourself in act one. (Matthew 6:19-21) As a result, you make better choices, establish higher priorities, and decide how to spend your time. You choose to follow God’s ways, recognize blessings as you work, and feel anticipation of rewards from your obedience to God. You live with excitement and expectancy in your life by deliberate planning for act two. (Matthew 25:34)

Intentional Action

By the way, you star in the leading role when living life like a two-act play. Acting intentionally, you align your life with God’s desire to reach the goals for your second act of life. Next, you read the script and research in the Bible. Learning how Jesus lived, you transform your character into his image.  With this intention, you meet daily with God, the author, to learn your role. Further, by seeking Holy Spirit to coach you in rehearsals, you receive his direction. You explore life with others who share the same act two goals. Finally, you use your God-given gifts and live your role authentically.

Act Two

Then, after intermission, you enter into the presence of God, (2 Corinthians 5:8) where life is everything you hope for. On the condition that you receive reward, you hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” (Matthew 25:23). You live in a glorious and beautiful garden, as God intends. There is no evil, only perfect freedom, and a celebration of life. You hear rejoicing, laughter and praise over God’s goodness and righteousness. Smelling the aroma of Christ reminds you of your knowledge of Him. You see the angel of the Lord offering incense with the prayers of the saints. (Revelation 8:3) What is more, you enjoy a feast at the wedding supper of the Lamb. (Revelation 19:9)

The benefits of living life as a two-act play

Since your life is like a two-act play, you recognize how act one affects your outcomes in act two. Because you know the importance of your first act, you consciously stir up the gifts God has given you. You effectively use your gifts and act for His glory. Aligning your life with God’s ways, you experience joy. You enjoy blessings and transformation into the image of Christ. Holy Spirit’s guidance gives you all you need to complete your authentic role of act one. Fellowship with others encourages you to continue toward your goals. You live act one with anticipation, excitement, and wonder of the rewards you will enjoy in the second act. Most importantly, you live your second act in the presence of God with rewards you receive because of a faithful life well lived.

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Knowing the importance of planning, I hope you will make time for God each day and live with intention. If you struggle with a plan for daily connection with God, I’d like to suggest Expressions of Heart Evening & Morning: Finding Rest for Your Soul to help you connect with God on a daily basis. Get your copy now at https://amazon.com/dp/B0C6NBCPMS If you enjoy planning, please check out Expressions of Heart Optimize Your Day at https://www.amazon.com/Expressions-Heart-Journal-Optimize-Your/dp/B0BLGDRCGH

Kathleen Reaser is a Biblical Life Coach, http://kathleenreaser.com, Founder of Expressions of Heart Facebook Community for women, https://www.facebook.com/groups/expressionsofheartkathleenreaser, as well as a line of Expression of Heart resources, https://www.amazon.com/s?k=expressions+of+heart+books+by+kathleen+reaser that help individuals live the life God created them to live. She is also the Biblical Foundations Advisor for Women of Faithful Purpose, https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenoffaithfulpurpose